Hard to stomach – Griezmann speaks on Mbappe getting France’s captaincy
32-year-old French footballer Antoine Griezmann has opened up on his disappointment at being snubbed for France’s captaincy which was handed to Kylian Mbappe.
Kylian Mbappe became France‘s new captain in March after Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international duty at the beginning of the year.
The Tottenham goalie led his team to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and helped Les Blues reach the World Cup four years later as captain. Raphael Varane was expected to fill up the position, but he also retired from international competition as well at 29.
After Mbappe was named as the French team’s skipper, It was not favorably received by many. Some French football experts and commentators have argued the decision showed a lack of respect for the Atletico Madrid striker.
Catalan newspaper SPORT reported that Antoine Griezmann pondered quitting the French team over the decision, seeing his exclusion as a mistake.
Three months later, 32-year-old Griezmann has finally broken his silence on 24-year-old Mbappe getting France’s captaincy.
Speaking to Telefoot, he said;
“It was hard to take, and tough. I’m 32 and, although I still have the legs, I know I’m reaching the end [of my career]. I had a hard time stomaching it for one or two days.“
Still, Griezmann remains an instrumental player for Les Bleus in his newly-found central midfielder role. The 2018 Europa League winner with Atlético Madrid is expected to start against Greece on Monday at the Stade de France as part of their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024.
Griezmann also committed his future to the Colchoneros, adding that he holds no ill-feeling towards his team-mate. He said;
“I’m fully behind our captain Kylian. I won’t change anything, because that’s who I am.”
The Atletico forward is set to return to the France starting XI for their next European Championship qualifier against Greece on Monday, June 19. Deschamps’ side are currently sitting top of Group B with maximum points from their first three games.
